“Hiking and Art” is an organization of hikers and artists who use their hiking and love of the outdoors as a source of artistic inspiration. We hike, sketch and photograph a variety of scenic locations, and then use our sketches and photographs as the starting point for paintings and other works of art.

Our trips are open to artists and hikers at all levels. We also welcome participants who may not be artists themselves, but appreciate the work of artists who have been inspired by their own outdoor experiences. We have sought to learn from the experiences of Georgia O’Keeffe, Cezanne, and the Hudson River artists, among others.

Hiking and Art was founded by Kathy and Barry Skura. Barry and Kathy are both active hikers. They have led numerous artist backpacks’ and hikes for the Appalachian Mountain Club and other organizations. These outings have included discussions of various artists as well as instruction on art materials and techniques.

Kathy is a visual artist who has taught art for over 30 years. She has a BFA in from Boston University and a MFA from the State University of New York. For the past 15 years Kathy has worked as an artist/ teacher at a residential school in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Kathy has been inspired by the Southwest and the landscape that so captivated Georgia O’Keefe. She is currently working on a series of paintings which interpret the texture, color and pattern of rock formations. Her earlier work includes mixed media collages and intaglio prints.

Barry has almost 20 years experience leading wilderness hiking and camping trips for national hiking clubs, including the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and the Sierra Club. He has a doctorate from the University of Chicago and currently works for the New York City public hospital system. He previously taught at the Universities of Rochester and Minnesota.

Kathy and Barry have found hiking to be a source of artistic inspiration. Their philosophy is that being in nature allows one to escape the pettiness of everyday life and facilitates connection with ones creative self. The act of walking helps us empty our mind of extraneous things and opens us to artistic possibilities.
Barry and Kathy are both certified in Wilderness First Aid.